How to Stop Dogs From Piddling

You adore your pooch, but his constant piddling is becoming a little frustrating. He seems to go every time you walk in the house or have someone over. Riley isn't trying to upset you, he's just a little nervous or anxious. Making a few changes in your routine can alleviate the issue.

Stay Calm

You've been gone all day, and of course you get excited when you walk in the door and see Riley happily wagging his tail. He's ecstatic that you're home. Running up to him, getting in his face, yelling his name and petting him get him all riled up. Since he hasn't been out to go potty in a while, a little bit winds up sneaking out during his happy greeting. Rather than having a mini party as soon as you walk in the door, remain calm. Ignore Riley until he settles down, slowly walk over to grab his leash and take him out when he relaxes. Once he piddles outside, you can get excited and give him the attention he craves.

Bribe Him

If Riley loses a little urine every time a new dog approaches or a man comes nearby, he's feeling submissive. Riley thinks that big dog or tall mailman is superior to him, making him feel uneasy. Start offering treats when these intimidating situations occur. When you're out walking, make him sit and stay when a foreign pooch roams by. Keep him focused on you by giving him small pieces of his favorite treat or take him out on an empty belly and feed him a bite of kibble when he's behaving properly. You can do the same thing when the mailman walks up the porch or have him offer Riley a treat. Your furry family member will quickly figure out that he has no reason to feel insecure.

Take Him Out

Set Riley up for success by taking him out frequently, especially if he is still young or if you are working on housebreaking. Right before your dinner guests arrive, take him out for a long walk so he has the opportunity to fully empty his bladder. Because he's feeling a little anxious, also take him out several times while your friends are over, even if it's just a quick trip out to the corner of the yard. When there's nothing in his bladder, he won't be able to have those nervous piddles in the middle of your kitchen.

Other Considerations

Don't ever punish Riley for piddling -- after all, he's not doing it on purpose. If you angrily scream at him or shove his nose in it, he'll learn to be afraid of you and stop going potty when you're nearby, since you think going to the bathroom is bad. Reinforcing good behavior and working through his nerves are the only ways to get rid of piddling. If the problem continues after all of your efforts, take him in for a checkup. Urinary tract infections or other health issues may be the initial cause of Riley's frequent urination.